Member refutes claims

Published: Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 12:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, August 2, 2013 at 11:26 a.m.

Editor: This is to respond to Ann Brownlee's recent letter to the editor concerning the Uwharrie Regional Resources Commission. She alleges that the URRC was an "abrogation of democratic principles and an abuse of power." This piece of legislation was passed in a strong bipartisan manner with a majority of legislators voting in the affirmative. The allegation made by Brownlee is absurd. As a member of this commission, I did not witness one single example of abuse of power.

The allegation that the URRC's agenda and actions were dominated by an attempt to take over Alcoa, its land and business is completely false. The URRC rarely discussed the issue surrounding Alcoa. We were more about economic development, job creation and protecting the natural resources of the Yadkin River Basin.

Ms. Brownlee's comment about the meeting room is also absurd. With the exception of one meeting, we met in very comfortable rooms for both the public and the commission. The one exception was when Ms. Brownlee was in the back of the room and created a disturbing scene about not being able to hear. The chairman politely invited her to come up front. She proceeded to slam her chair up the room and totally disrupted the meeting.

The last meeting she complained about being held in a building that did not have handicapped facilities and had to walk up steps. The two-story building had parking on both levels and level entry on the upper level. She also sat on the floor of the meeting and again the chairman politely told her there were chairs available at the front.

In spite of Brownlee's rude behavior, the commission has made good progress for our citizens in the Yadkin River Basin. I invite our citizens to stay involved in the important work that this dedicated and talented group of people will continue to do for the Uwharrie Region as we move forward.

<p><B>Editor:</B> This is to respond to Ann Brownlee's recent letter to the editor concerning the Uwharrie Regional Resources Commission. She alleges that the URRC was an "abrogation of democratic principles and an abuse of power." This piece of legislation was passed in a strong bipartisan manner with a majority of legislators voting in the affirmative. The allegation made by Brownlee is absurd. As a member of this commission, I did not witness one single example of abuse of power.</p><p>The allegation that the URRC's agenda and actions were dominated by an attempt to take over Alcoa, its land and business is completely false. The URRC rarely discussed the issue surrounding Alcoa. We were more about economic development, job creation and protecting the natural resources of the Yadkin River Basin.</p><p>Ms. Brownlee's comment about the meeting room is also absurd. With the exception of one meeting, we met in very comfortable rooms for both the public and the commission. The one exception was when Ms. Brownlee was in the back of the room and created a disturbing scene about not being able to hear. The chairman politely invited her to come up front. She proceeded to slam her chair up the room and totally disrupted the meeting.</p><p>The last meeting she complained about being held in a building that did not have handicapped facilities and had to walk up steps. The two-story building had parking on both levels and level entry on the upper level. She also sat on the floor of the meeting and again the chairman politely told her there were chairs available at the front.</p><p>In spite of Brownlee's rude behavior, the commission has made good progress for our citizens in the Yadkin River Basin. I invite our citizens to stay involved in the important work that this dedicated and talented group of people will continue to do for the Uwharrie Region as we move forward.</p><p>Cathy Dunn</p><p>Southmont</p>